Balancing Choice, Independence and Support in Person-Centred Planning
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Balancing choice, independence and support is one of the most complex aspects of person-centred planning in learning disability services. Commissioners expect providers to demonstrate that people are supported to live meaningful lives without unnecessary restriction, while maintaining safety and wellbeing.
This balance connects closely with positive risk-taking and expectations around risk management and compliance. Overly cautious planning can be as harmful as inadequate support.
Understanding proportionate support
Proportionate support means providing only what is needed to achieve outcomes safely. This involves:
- assessing capacity and preferences individually
- adjusting support as confidence and skills develop
- avoiding blanket restrictions or assumptions
Plans should clearly explain why support is provided and when it can be reduced.
Supporting informed choice
Choice must be informed to be meaningful. Providers should demonstrate how they:
- present options in accessible formats
- support understanding of consequences
- respect decisions even when they differ from professional preference
This requires skill, patience and reflective practice.
Promoting independence through planning
Independence should be an explicit goal within plans. This includes:
- breaking tasks into achievable steps
- using graded support approaches
- celebrating progress and milestones
Independence is rarely static and should be reviewed regularly.
Managing situations where choice involves risk
Where choices involve risk, providers should evidence:
- clear risk assessments linked to planning
- risk mitigation rather than risk avoidance
- shared decision-making with the person and supporters
Documentation should show how decisions are balanced and reviewed.
Staff confidence and professional judgement
Staff must feel supported to make proportionate decisions. Providers should ensure:
- clear guidance on decision-making authority
- regular supervision to reflect on complex choices
- access to senior advice when needed
This reduces defensive practice and promotes consistency.
Why commissioners focus on balance
Commissioners view balanced planning as a marker of quality because it:
- supports rights and autonomy
- reduces unnecessary restrictions
- demonstrates mature risk management
Providers who evidence this balance are more likely to be trusted partners.
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